Nearly half of pet owners convinced their furry friends understand them

A survey of 2,000 cat and dog owners revealed that nearly half believe their pet understands them - and 27 per cent think they communicate back.

While a confident 95 per cent believe they can interpret their pet's body language, 90 per cent claim they understand what their verbal communication means as well.

However, the study commissioned by pet DNA testing service Wisdom Panel, discovered that 55 per cent confessed they have struggled to comprehend what their dog or cat is trying to convey, leaving them frustrated (23 per cent) and worried (22 per cent).

Clinical animal behaviourist, dog trainer and author, Karen Wild states: "Dogs and cats clearly show us how they are feeling, but we need to learn what these signals are. We often look at one small part such as their tail, but their face, ears, head and body movements are all very telling."

"When a dog rolls onto its back, it could be that they are overwhelmed, the best way to tell is to stop petting them - if they stand up, it's likely they weren't feeling relaxed at all. Giving them a chance to show you if they want more interaction is critical to understanding them."

She goes on to explain: "Cats use slightly different expressions, when their whiskers are relaxed they will point straight out, but when stressed they can spread apart, point forward, or may tightly bunch together and flatten against the cat's face."

A significant 72 per cent of people often speak out loud to their pets, with almost half agreeing that communication has strengthened their bond with their four-legged friend.

A large 43 per cent believe there are certain things only they and their household can understand about their pet's interactions but they have still had to seek expertise of an animal expert to decipher their pet's body language or turn to online resources for answers.

Dr Cathryn Mellersh, head researcher at The University of Cambridge Veterinary School's canine genetics centre, in collaboration with Wisdom Panel, stated: "Dogs were the first species to be domesticated and have evolved alongside humans."

"They read our body language, show empathy when we're upset, and often prefer the company of a person over their own species - all testament to how intertwined we are."

According to a survey conducted by OnePoll, 48 per cent of respondents believe their pet can detect feelings of sadness, while 45 per cent think their pets respond to their stress or anxiety.

She adds: "Different breeds exhibit quite different behaviours, just as DNA influences what they look like and the diseases that they might develop. Their genes also play a large role in their behaviours too."

"By understanding their breed mix, health, traits, behaviours and relatives on a deeper level, owners are able to boost the bond they have with their pet."